Rize City Guide
Rize is a stunning city located on Turkey’s Eastern Black Sea coast, famous for its endless green hills, tea plantations, and mountain landscapes.
As of 2024, its population is approximately 345,000.
Known as the tea capital of Turkey, Rize is where the sea meets the mountains. Its breathtaking nature, waterfalls, and plateaus make it one of the most beautiful destinations in the country.
It has a rich history dating back to ancient Colchis, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods.
The local economy is driven by tea cultivation, beekeeping, and tourism. Rize tea is globally recognized for its taste and aroma.
Places to Visit in Rize
Natural Attractions
- Ayder Plateau: The symbol of Rize, with thermal springs, traditional houses, and lush green hills.
- Pokut Plateau: A paradise above the clouds, ideal for photography and hiking.
- Fırtına Valley: Offers rafting adventures and scenic trekking routes.
- Kaçkar Mountains National Park: A UNESCO-listed park with glacial lakes and rich flora.
- Zilkale: A 14th-century fortress overlooking the Fırtına Valley.
- Palovit Waterfall: One of the highest waterfalls in the region.
- Anzer Plateau: Famous worldwide for its unique honey.
Historical and Cultural Sites
- Rize Castle: Byzantine-era fortress offering a panoramic city view.
- Rize Museum: Displays artifacts and traditional handicrafts.
- Kız Castle (Pazar): Small seaside fortress on a rock formation.
- Traditional Rize Houses: Wooden architecture reflecting local life.
Festivals
Rize celebrates the International Tea and Tourism Festival, Ayder Plateau Festival, and Anzer Honey Festival, featuring local dances, tea ceremonies, and folk music.
Rize Intercity Bus Terminal
The Rize Intercity Bus Terminal is located 3 km from the city center and connects Rize to Istanbul, Ankara, Trabzon, Samsun, and Erzurum.
Facilities include ticket offices, cafes, restrooms, and a prayer room.
What to Eat in Rize
- Muhlama (Kuymak): Cornmeal and melted cheese delight.
- Laz Böreği: Sweet pastry with custard filling.
- Cabbage Soup and Rolls: Staple winter dishes.
- Anchovy Pilaf: Traditional Black Sea meal.
- Anzer Honey: Rare and highly valuable honey.
- Corn Bread: Classic accompaniment to every meal.
- Fried Pickles: Local comfort food.
How to Get to Rize
- By Bus: Regular intercity buses connect Rize to all major Turkish cities.
- By Air:Rize-Artvin Airport (35 km) offers daily flights from Istanbul and Ankara.
- By Road: Trabzon–Rize 75 km (~1 h), Artvin–Rize 160 km (~2.5 h), Ankara–Rize 740 km (~8 h).
Bus Companies Operating in Rize
- Kamil Koç
- Metro Turizm
- Varan Turizm
- Kanberoğlu Turizm
- Lüks Karadeniz Seyahat
- Sahil Seyahat
- Ali Osman Ulusoy
